ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING

Transcription

1 OUR STAFF Transitional Pastor: Reverend Nikey Keels Director of Music: John Rickert Organist: Jeremy Reis Administrative Assistant: Linda Wieferich Caretaker, Al Ferrell Nursery Attendant: Sarah Egerer OUR CHURCH OFFICERS Moderator: Nancy Lewis Vice-Moderator: Tom Carr Clerk: Cyndi James Treasurer: Jody James Missions Treasurer: Roger Ellsworth Financial Secretary: Mary Leary ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING 7:00 p.m. Thursday January 28, 2015 CHURCH TEAM LEADERS 1. Christian Education: Theresa King 2. Youth: Cheryl Ellsworth 3. Missions, Outreach/Evangelism: Co-Leader: Nikki Anjakos-Seno Co-Leader: Vacant Historian: J. David Garn Assistant: Cheryl Ellsworth 4. Music: David Garn 5. Finance: Jim Garn 6. Facilities/Maintenance: Vacant 7. Hospitality: Connie Ellsworth 8. Worship: Vacant 9. Pastoral Relations: Vacant 10. Visitation: Lois Smith 11. Nominating: Appointed as needed OUR CHURCH VISION Drawing upon its rich history of service to God in an urban setting, Michigan Avenue Baptist Church serves as a beacon of Christ-centered ministry to the community through witness, worship, and fellowship in a culturally diverse population. MICHIGAN AVENUE BAPTIST CHURCH 203 S. Michigan Ave - Saginaw, Michigan Church office: (989) MichiganAveBaptist@sbcglobal.net Website: MABCSaginaw.org

2 A MESSAGE FROM PASTOR KEELS 5, 4,3,2,1 HAPPY NEW YEAR! Can you believe it? Another year is already upon us, and there is much on the horizon in 2016 that will change. Politically, at the end of this year, we will experience a change in leadership after November s presidential election. Financially, the hope is that we will receive a favorable return on our taxes so that we can cover our Christmas debt, tackle those much needed home improvements, and for some of us, the opportunity to purchase a new home. On the spiritual front, Christians world-wide will pause in spring to reflect upon the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and the newness of eternal life that his sacrifice afforded us. Socially, we desire a change in that everyone, for whom Jesus died, will be seen as valuable and be protected here on earth. At the turn of the New Year, people around the globe brought in 2016 seeking to usher in newness and change within their time zones and according to their cultural tradition. Jews adhered to the Hebrew calendar by celebrating their new years in the middle of September with the holiday known as Rosh Hashanah. African Americans engaged in watch night services at their respective places of worship in commemoration of the 153 rd year anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation becoming effective on January 1, In New York, many popped open bottled spirits, while it rained down confetti after the ball dropped in Times Square. Pomegranates were broke open, and Kremmidas (onions), were hung outside the front door of homes in Greece. The Citizens of Denmark leapt from chairs, and tossed plates like a bad habit. Spaniards scarfed down 12 grapes before the 12 strokes at midnight ended. Puerto Ricans cleansed themselves of the previous year by throwing buckets of water out the window. Japan literally rang in the New Year as temples tolled their bell 108 times! Whether it was the desire to obtain new wealth and prosperity, new friends, and a renewal of energy, all of these rituals were to signify the urgency of obtaining something new. There is one change, however, that is rarely spoken of during the New Year which is in desperate need of transformation and that is the heart. I m not talking about the organ that has two ventricles, an aorta, an artery, and well, you get the message. I am referring to what the Greeks call, kardia. Kardia in the Greek, is used to describe the heart of a person in terms of their inner life. This pertains to one s motive for action, and the driving force behind decisions and behavior. According to Strong s concordance, kardia is defined as the mind, character and center. Now, before you begin to defend yourself with platitudes of how good of a heart you have, let me remind you that even the healthiest person can suffer a heart attack. The children of Israel could most certainly attest to the experience of having heart complications. Even though they enjoyed the benefits of being God s chosen people, they allowed themselves to become acculturated into the customs of those around them. Their hearts/kardias began to darken and the arterial walls of their character became hard waxing cold and stony to the degree that they erected places of worship to pagan gods. As a result of turning away from the very God who had protected them and provided for them, the children of Israel s blessings were constricted, and they experienced a massive heart attack in the form of being carted away in captivity by the Babylonians. But, God administered CPR to his people in the form of prophesy through Ezekiel. In verse 36:26 (NRSV) of Ezekiel it reads, 26 A new heart I will give you, and a new spirit I will put within you; and I will remove from your body the heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. If you will notice, God was not merely vested in giving them a new area code, and new accoutrements, but he was most concerned with his people receiving a heart transplant that was to come directly from him and not man. After all, what would have been the point of being free from physical bondage if they were still bound by the same old murky heart from the past? As Mark 2:22 states (NRSV) 22 And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; otherwise, the wine will burst the skins, and the wine is lost, and so are the skins; but one puts new wine into fresh wineskins.

3 Therefore, in the midst of our rituals to bring in new years with pots of greens and beans for prosperity, and cleaning all the laundry, along with every dust particle of 2015, let us acquire a brand new ritual this year and beyond by allowing the master surgeon to run an EKG on the heart of our character. Should he find our hearts stony from the wear and tear of life, may we be so humble as to allow him to give us a heart transplant from his heavenly throne. How, you may ask, is this made possible? When we spend intentional set apart time with God each day through prayer, bible study and listening to what he has to say. It is then that we will come to discover that with a new heart, our view of God, ourselves, our family, friends, loved ones, and even our enemies will also be made new. What could be more valuable than that? Therefore, may the blessings of a new heart and a new beginning be received by you from God in this New Year. Many Blessings & Happy Holy Sweet 2016! Rev. Nikey D. Keels Transitional Pastor THANK YOU! YOUR MISSION OFFERINGS AT WORK Dear Friends On behalf of the East Side Soup Kitchen Board of Directors, Staff and all the people we serve, I write to thank you for your generous donation of $ We prepare hot, nutritious meals every day but the impact seems more immediate when the air is frigid. We would not be able to keep the soup pots full were it not for your generosity and concern. May God bless you always for your kindness to others. Sincerely, Pam Cole, Director Dear MABC On behalf of the Food First Presbyterian Church, I would like to thank MABC for its pledge to support with your gift of $ As the economy in the area creates more challenges the need continues to increase for the services provided by the volunteers in the pantry. As you may know, 100% of the donations are used to buy food and other personal hygiene products for the clients and it is staffed by volunteers from the area churches. It is because of caring people like you and your organization the pantry is able to provide this service to those in need. For the year 2014, the pantry served 6,235 clients. This year through October of this year, 5,026 have been helped. Thank you for your loyal support of this necessary mission. God s Blessings, Janette L. Gonzales, Financial Secretary Dear Friends On behalf of the residents and staff of HealthSource Saginaw, I want to thank you very much for your very generous donation of Christmas gifts for our residents and patients. Sincerely Teresa Emerson, Activity Director Dear Congregation I d like to thank you first for the Christmas Love gift you collected on my behalf. I d also like to thank you, in gratitude, for the many cards and gifts. I hope you had a blessed Christmas, and have an even better new year. Sincerely Rev. Nikey Keels To my MABC Family, Thank you so much for the Christmas love gift. I really do appreciate, and made sure to put it to good use. I hope everyone has a good 2016! John Rickert Director of Music Dear MABC Thank you for the Christmas love gift. It is greatly appreciated. But most of all, thank you for sharing the Love of Christ throughout the year. Wishing you and your loved ones a blessed new year. Linda Wieferich Administrative Assistant

4 ANNUAL REPORTS DUE SUNDAY, JANUARY 3, 2016 Please note: Annual Report are due January 3, Reports are due from the following: All Team Chairpersons, Sub-Team Chairperson, Moderator, Church Clerk, Church Treasurer, Financial Secretary, Mission (Benevolence) Treasurer, Historian, Pastor, and the Director of Music. If you would like to submit your report before the due date, it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your help. We want to make the annual report as complete as possible. Thank You! THE MEANING OF EPIPHANY Epiphany, which comes from the Greek word epiphaneia, means an appearance or a revealing. Centuries ago, the church set aside January 6 th, the 12 th day after Christmas, to mark the revealing of Jesus as Christ to the wise men, who were Gentiles. Jesus first followers were Jewish, so the revelation of the divine Christ to the non-jewish magi reminds us that Jesus came to earth to save the whole world. Symbols of Epiphany include light, a star, a crown (or three crowns) and a globe or stylized portrayal of the world. The color of Epiphany is green to symbolize life, growth, hope and eternity. On the church calendar, the Epiphany season lasts until Ash Wednesday, which is determined by the date of Easter. A GOOD START He who fritters away the early morning, its opportunity and freshness, in other pursuits than seeking God will make poor headway seeking him the rest of the day. If God is not first in our thoughts and efforts in the morning, he will be in the last place the remainder of the day. --E.M. Bounds NEW WOMEN S BIBLE STUDY A new Women s Bible Study will begin Monday, January 4, 2016 at 6:15 p.m. We meet in the Burrows Room at the church. Please contact Becky Geidans as soon as possible to let her know you will be attending. She will need to order books. Thank you. A GREAT HEART Great beauty, great strength and great riches are really and truly of no great use; a right heart exceeds all. -Benjamin Franklin

5 MEN S BREAKFAST 9:00 a.m. Saturday, January 9, 2016 COMBINED Worship Team and Music Team Meeting Sunday, January 17, 2016 Following the worship service. POTLUCK SUNDAY On Sunday, January 10, our monthly Potluck Sunday will occur. You are invited to bring your favorite dish to pass and enjoy Christian Fellowship. Hope to see you at the potluck. A NOTE TO ALL Please let the church office and/or Nancy Lewis or Carole Moore when you are in the hospital. The hospitals don t always let us know in a timely manner that you are there. Thank you for your help. We care about you greatly. ODE TO SUNDAY Of all the days that s in the week I dearly love but one day, And that s the day that comes betwixt A Saturday and Monday. -Henry Carey ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING 7:00 p.m. Thursday January 28, 2015 Need some creative ideas for performing acts of kindness? Here are a few from randomactsofkindness.org: Make blankets or scarves for homeless people. Send a care package to someone who s in college or the military. Collect coins for a charity or cause. When you can t attend an event, give the tickets to strangers. Provide tutoring or mentoring in your field of expertise. Offer to babysit or pet-sit for free. Send a note of appreciation to someone who s made a difference in your life. Share your gifts of music, reading or conversation at a nursing home. Donate old sports equipment to schools. Give someone the benefit of the doubt maybe even a family member or yourself! THE NAME ABOVE EVERY NAME O what is Jehovah El Shaddai to me? My Lord, God and Savior, Immanuel, He; My Prophet, Priest, Sacrifice, Altar and Lamb: Judge, Advocate, Surety and Witness, I AM; My Peace and my Life, my Truth and my Way; My Leader, my Teacher, my Hope and my Stay; Redeemer and Ransom, Atonement and Friend; He s Alpha, Omega, Beginning and End. -Rev. John H. Sammis

6 FOOD PANTRY AT MABC While we do not have a regular give-away food program at MABC, we do have a good pantry that is used to meet the needs of anyone who finds themselves without enough food for their families. We especially like to help those who might not be served by other organizations or are friends and/or family of our members. Please feel free to refer anyone you know to Connie Ellsworth if there is a need. The Pantry can always use the brief list below. Thank you in advance for your support of this important ministry to the hungry! Laundry soap, shampoo, bath soap. Paper products: toilet paper, paper towels, paper plates, napkins, Kleenex tissues. Tuna, peanut butter, jams/jellies. Soup, canned fruits, canned vegetables, crackers. Baby products: diapers, baby wipes, baby wash soap. ALWAYS DOING A NEW THING In 2015, scientists discovered more than 18,000 new species some ancient and extinct, others contemporary. They include a cartwheeling spider; fossils of a feathered dinosaur ; a beautiful sea slug that photographs in brilliant blues, reds and golds; a Christmas-colored plant that grows in near isolation in Mexico; and a puffer-fish whose males make intricate seafloor crop circles as spawning nests. Such discoveries regardless of how old or new the species are demonstrate the ongoing creativity of God, who both does new things and gives people new abilities to discover them. Recently, we began a new church year with Advent. At Christmas, God did a new thing by becoming human. Now we launch into a new calendar year, in which scientists will surely discover more new creatures. The newness all around us reminds us that God is always doing a new thing in our lives, too! BIBLE QUIZ According to the Gospel of John, which disciples led others to Jesus, and whom did they lead? A. Matthew led Judas. B. Andrew led Simon-Peter. C. James led John. D. Philip led Nathanael. E. All of the above. F. B and D SEEKING THE BEST I believe that appreciation is a holy thing that when we look for what s best in a person we happen to be with at the moment, we re doing what God does all the time. So in loving and appreciating our neighbor, we re participating in something sacred. -Fred Rogers Be joyful in hope, Patient in affliction, Faithful in prayer Romans 12:12, NIV

7 Annual Business Meeting 7:00 p.m. Thursday, January 28, 2016 MICHIGAN AVENUE BAPTIST CHURCH The Reverend Nikey Keels, Transitional Pastor 203 S. Michigan Ave Saginaw, Michigan Church Office: (989) Website: Answers to Bible Quiz: F (See John 1:40-42, 45FF) SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY Communion Sunday and Taking Down the Greens Annual Reports are due 4 6:15 p.m. Bible Study 5 6 Rehearsals 7 4:30 p.m. Prayer Team 8 9 9:00 a.m. Men s Breakfast 10 Potluck Sunday :15 p.m. Bible Study Rehearsals :30 p.m. Prayer Team :00 p.m. Worship & Music Team mtg. 6:15 p.m. Bible Study February newsletter articles due Rehearsals 4:30 p.m. Prayer Team :30 p.m. Prayer Team :15 p.m. Bible Study Rehearsals 7:00 p.m. Annual Business Meeting 31 Sunday s at MABC 9:30 a.m. Church School 10:45 a.m. Worship Service 12:00 p.m. Fellowship Wednesday Choir Rehearsals 6:30 p.m. Belle Aire Handbell Choir 7:30 p.m. Latham Burrows Choir

8 Happy Birthday to You! 03 Jennifer Morris 07 James Smith 07 Bayleigh Larkin 08 Devin Ballien 10 Shirley Yancer 15 Shannon Ferrell 18 Daytona King 20 Lila Larkin 21 Cody Tuck 21 Connor Tuck 21 Linda Wieferich 22 Hunter Parks 27 Sharon Mason 20 Sarah Ferrell 30 Jim Lewis 30 Vivian Settle 30 David Hamilton 31 Chloe Tuck If your birthday has not been listed, please contact the church office at (989) with your birth date. We d like to wish everybody a Happy Birthday during their birthday month. Please contact the church office should you have a change of address. We want to keep our records current. Thank you.